One Hand for Yourself, One for the Ship: The Essentials of Single-Handed Sailing

It may be said that not all of what Tristan Jones wrote was completely accurate - he was an old salt, a sea dog with many a yarn. He was, however, a practical sailor, and a man of deep conviction. His sailing commenced in an age when electronics were a rarity, and his experiences relate to that - purer? - age of sailing for pleasure, when all you needed was a well found vessel and a competent hand to sail her.I love this book. It contains nuggets of practical information, written in an admittedly partisan manner. I took from Tristan's book a clear and concise precis of information that complements more established authors eg Hiscock and Pardey. You will mine another vein of information, gain a broader perspective, and enjoy his dry humour. This book is certainly not one of the essential compendia, but it does fit very nicely in the library of a prospective solo mariner. It is aimed squarely at the sailor who is planning single-handed voyaging on a less than generous budget. For the well-heeled owner of a modern boat, fin keel and spade rudder, equipped with all the electronics, autopilot and crew, this book will be a whimsical amusement.

I have only read a little but so far enjoying it a lot. Have seen some of the negative stories about Tristan, i.e. him misrepresenting himself. By most accounts Tristan was a very knowledgeable sailor and I feel that if he feels a need to embellish a little that is just fine. Don't just about all people embellish and misrepresent? When you go for a job interview do you tell the whole truth? Bah humbug!! I am looking forward to reading the entire book. Obviously, anyone seriously contemplating ocean voyaging need to study it as much as possible prior to embarking and I can tell that this book will be most illuminating. Tristan writes in an easy going style and every paragraph seems to be sprinkled with a little ocean wisdom. Anybody who allows the negative stories to steer them away from Tristan are probably doing themselves a great disservice.

Tristan Jones is in the books as a master mariner and single hander for all times. He is no slouch as a writer either. This book is something of an adventure book but is more of a precautionary tale about being at sea alone. I've read other books of this nature by single-handers, but nothing has been this common sensical, logical, and understandable.Tristan Jones does not write from theory. He's writing for hard won experience. If one takes note of all his suggestions and acts upon then, he and his vessel might be nearly indestructible at sea.I'm now reading this a second time, now so much as a fascinating series of experiences, facts, and suggestions, but as a text-book that simply tells it like it is -- sometimes with a glare that means you'd better hear and heed and sometimes with a wink and an elbow in the ribs. He also has an appreciable sense of humor.You can't go wrong with Tristan Jones as your advisor. It may even save your life and your boat! Just get the darn book.

I first read this book by Tristan Jones when the author was still alive and put into practice some of his advise when cruising in Nea Zealand and then in the Western Pacific. 30+ years on I am about to venture out onto the 'Big Blue' beyond again and thought this book an essential 'boat book' to have onboard. Tristan's advise is still as valid today as it was then. It is a great read with boat loads of 1st hand lessons to be learned.

As a sailor, you want as much knowledge and information you can muster from other sailors as well as from books. If you are single handing, you'd better know how to handle just about any emergency. Tristan covers pretty much every aspect from preparation, spare gear, how to make repairs to the boat, motors, rigging, etc. to the food you might need for an 80 day solo voyage. Once again, his writing is just so easy to read. Like he's talking to you in a conversation. As he pointed out, his methods may not be for everyone, but they worked for him covering tens of thousands of miles at sea. I highly recommend this book.

a very practical, enjoyable & sensible guide for off-shore sailing....critical part of any sailing library along w/ John Vigor's Practical Mariner's Book of Knowledge

Tristan Jones has packed his book with invaluable information and useful advice. This book is a must for any sailor choosing to venture beyond fair weather sailing close to shore.

good advice for the newbie

great deal thanks

Super series, some sailor, worth reading.

Pressie for husband - he likes it

A lot of the information regards selection of vessel and outfitting for long term solo ocean sailing. I was really just looking for something on how to handle and deal with a boat single handed.

A good read